Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was actually looking for this topic in books and could not find them. I have a 6ft boa and she is not very thick around. I had her in a vision cage for a few years and had lots of off and on feedings. I built this large rack system using the big X Mas ones, that Walmart and the Farm and Fleet sell. I have one on top of the other. My Boa in one and a Blood in the other. So let me get to my point. Is it cruel that they do not get any light besides when I take them out. My thoughts are,
No because they like to be in caves and underthings all the time.
Two they both started eating consistently, although the Boa has become nippy but she was starting to before. Not sure why she changed. Once she started eating again. I would like to hear others opinions on that one as well.
I also look at my other snakes that have infer red lights on and thats the same thing, right as being in the dark?

So I have really thought about taking her out and moving her into another cage but don't want her to go off feed again.

I take blame for this but I often have to change the news paper in the rack system because she moves the water bowl around alot and then its all moist in there.

So, is it OK that there is no light? and second if the rubbermaid is bigger than most cages does that make it OK?
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I'm not a boa so can't answer with certainty. But, after visting Boa constrictor imperator habitat in Mexico, even during the day the forest is like dusk, and the crevices in the fig trees are dark. I can't help but wonder if light is important to them at all. But then again, a light cycle (even if they hide) may be important to their breeding cycles. Is it important to their psychological well-being? I just don't know.

I keep Boas and have noticed some nippy snakes in racks. I use clear tubs with no lights and still get some nips now and then. My rack is open not enclosed.

I think because Boas are sensitive to movement that when the snakes is in a glass fronted cage they get used to the casual passer by but in a dark rack everything is literally a suprise.

I also think this response is loosly linked with the feeding response but have no data to support this.

Walmart I know sells a large Xmas tree tub every xmas, made by Iris its clear with a green lid sometimes red with a gree lid. This is the VE-175 model from Reptiletubs.com.

Good Luck
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Jeremy

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

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